The Spiral Path

Chapter 19, Ghosts of the Heart, A Novel by Barbara Stoner

The spiral path wound upward and inward, tracing a labyrinth ancient beyond reckoning. There were tales of folk who swore that following this path opened one to deep attunement with the energies of the Tor. After a few turns, Sophie just felt hot and tired. And damp. The day was misting over. Soon she could no longer see the base of the hill and the promised view was lost to sight. Overhead a thin filter of clouds blocked the sun. She thought it should feel cooler, with the clouds, but instead it felt oppressive. Each step felt heavy, as if she were struggling through mud.